After cases from music festival, Valley fever risk continues through the fall, California health officials warn

After several cases of Valley fever were identified following a music festival in California, health officials are warning about increased risk of the fungal infection in late summer and early fall. Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, primarily occurs in the southwestern US and parts of Washington state. It is contracted by breathing in fungal spores in dust containing the Valley fever fungus. Symptoms include cough, chest pain, headache, and fatigue. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the brain, spinal cord, skin, or bones. The number of infections in California is growing, with over 9,000 cases reported in 2023 and more than 5,000 preliminary cases reported in 2024.